Wednesday 28 August 2013

The Journey Of Lollywood.




"Nava aaya sohniyo?"

Aho! Gone are the days when Lollywood was made fun of and not appreciated. When our movie posters were just wall hangings we enjoyed at "Hot Spot". I mean come on, where else in world would one get to see "Wehshi Haseena", "Buddha Gujjar" and "Sher Di Bachi" type titles and their very interesting posters? Okay they might all be burlesque acts but at-least we should give them the credit of being highly creative and coming up with such unique titles.


  


Lets not forget about our actual cinema which created legends and such memorable movies. Remember our chocolate boy? Waheed Murad, the heartthrob of many, even till date. Girls used to go head over heels for him and for those of you who don't know, he is the 'koko koreena wala hero'. That was the time when our cinema was at it's peak. He gave us blockbusters like 'Armaan', 'Anjuman', 'Aawaz' and the list goes on. The whole crew, from scripts to direction and our beautiful heroines of that time, everything seemed a perfect package to success. I mean a hero couldn't do all the work by himself if wasn't for our gorgeous ladies that stood next to him. Babra Shareef, Zeba, Deeba, Neelo and the beautiful Shamim Ara are only a few names that made this era so magnificent. The very handsome Nadeem took over the industry after Waheed and gave such amazing hits along side these beauties. This era didn't only give us silver, golden and platinum jubilees back to back but along with that everlasting tunes, all thanks to our singers of the time. Singers like Ahmed Rushdi gave us 'koko koreena, akelay na jana, socha tha pyar na karaingay, ussay dekha ussay chaha ussay bhool gaey' and the list goes on. His voice played a huge role in the success of movies and heroes. Our industry gleamed with success during this era. 




Lollywood has been pretty down for a few years. But I think Syed Noor did a decent job making movies like 'Majajan and Chooriyan'. And they were not all that bad, seriously. Actors like Shaan, Moammar Rana, Saud came in the limelight. And so did our heroines, Resham, Sana, Saima, Reema, Veena and our most favorite 'Meera jee'. The first 'big' movie of this time was I think 'Yeh Dil Aap Ka Hua', it was directed by Javed Sheikh, shot in Switzerland and was huge hit. So it's safe to say that it wasn't a total downfall of Lollywood. These people started their careers then and are well known stars now.




Okay then let's come to the new dimension, we all saw 'Khuda Ke Liay'. It was a pretty huge step making that movie and kudos to Shoaib Mansoor for directing it so well. The cast included Shaan, Iman Ali, Fawad Khan and the very talented Naseeruddin Shah from across the border. It was shot in Chicago and parts of Lahore. The story-line was pretty powerful and so was the cast but it had some errors here and there. Shaan did a tremendous job, remarkable role did he play. And of-course it had Fawad Khan so everybody loved him, well all the girls did I'd rather say. Personally my favorite was how Naseeruddin Shah justified his character such neatly, for a moment there he convinced me that he was an actual Maulana Sahab. We all loved the movie, sang along 'bandiya' and heard the album being played everywhere. It had it's ups and downs, yet a great start and everyone was really very proud to see such a movie.

Then came 'Bol', again directed by Shoaib Mansoor. Bol did an outstanding job on the charts and was much appreciated. It starred Humaima Malik, Mahira Khan, Atif Aslam, Iman Ali, Shafqat Cheema and Manzar Sehbai. And again, the content was very strong, story-line was good. Humaima did an amazing job and her famous dialogue can still be heard in TV serials, "Jub khila nahi saktay to paida kyun kertay ho?" Sorry to say but Atif Aslam should only stick to singing, he can not act. The songs did pretty good too. Anyway the content was too much to fit in one movie. It had it's flaws but then again was totally worth watching it. He did try to portray our social issues through his movies.

Moving on, our video quality really improved when 'Love Mein Ghum' came out. Directed by our very own Reema, she introduced Nabeel Khan and it even starred Johnny Lever from across the border. The trailer itself spoke as far the camera quality and direction was concerned. Well the story-line wasn't that good but at-least it was a step forward and not to forget the title song which took over every channel. It featured about 40 Pakistani celebrities and the video was pretty well done.

Not long ago, just before the elections 'Chambeli' was released. Directed by Ismail Jillani, was the first political film ever made. Kudos to the timing of release, I'm surprised how it didn't get banned but was a huge success. The content was quite interesting and yet one wasn't bored or waited for interval as it kept it's pace. A great effort done and again, very proud to say it's made in Pakistan.

'Main Hoon Shahid Afridi' is in the spot light right now and is turning out to be a huge success. It's directed by Syed Ali Raza and is the first ever sports film of Pakistan. Cast includes Humayun Saeed, Nouman Habib, Javed Sheikh and Hamza Abbasi. Well the title pretty much sums up the story but Javed Sheikh pulled off the villain role well and it has it's spice. There's an item number in there too by Mahnoor Baloch and the 'googi googi goo' girl Mathira. The movie is doing great at the cinema and if you still haven't watched it yet, go watch it now.

Finally we move towards the much awaited movie, 'Waar'. Just the title gives me chills, and the trailer looks so promising. I watched it so many times just because I couldn't get over the quality, cast, story and oh the amazing editing. Honestly to watch such a trailer and know that it's a Pakistani movie, shot internationally and that by such a huge banner makes me so proud that it can't even be put into words. First of all, hats off to Bilal Lashari for directing this movie, secondly Warner Bros are it's distributors *OMG right?* and lastly the cast is just amazing. Includes Shaan, Ali Azmat, Shamoon, Ayesha Khan, Meesha Shafi and Hamza Abbasi. Okay I do have a thing for Shaan and Hamza but I'm not at all being biased here, look at the trailer! Parts of it are shot in Istanbul and Rome the rest in Islamabad, Lahore and Swat. The content seems pretty strong and the graphics are really commendable. This movie is going to be a treat for all of us and we should really look forward to it and be very proud. I mean really proud.

Oh and not to forget 'Geo Films', they have released many movies under their banner since 2007. Movies like Bol, Chambeli were released by them and they released Bollywood movies in Pakistan too, like Race2 and Shootout at Wadala. Also they have been working on collaborating Bollywood and Lollywood, Virsa and Ramchand Pakistani were two of these projects. This year, in 2013 they released 5 remakes of old Pakistani hits.

So that was all of Lollywood and it's journey over the years. Hope that was all regarding our cinema. Always be proud of our cinema, it's what describes our nation worldwide apart from the news and politics. It's our identity and our film-makers keep doing us proud. They put a lot of effort into it so always appreciate the cinema and watch every Pakistani movie. Really looking forward to watch 'Waar' and wishing good luck to Lollywood. *Fingers crossed*



Friday 23 August 2013

LETTING GO


LETTING GO


Okay this one is going to be hard to write. Remember how I mentioned in my previous blog that you should just let go and start over? Well it's not that easy, I'm not saying that you shouldn't but that it's going to be very rough on you. There are a lot of reasons that lead us into taking the wrong decisions which at the end turns into hardship for us and we are eventually succumbed to defeat. 

See, the thing about letting go isn't just that it's hard, it's about leaving all those memories, people and priorities behind. Nobody, trust me nobody can ever feel what you feel when you go through a rough patch in your life. Yes you have your people for sympathies and pep talks but the thing is, for how long? How long will you be dependent on those people? They have a life too, nobody will hold your hand forever and help you get through. It's only for the time being when you really are in a mess and in need of help, that's where your friends and family drops in holds your hand and pulls you out. But again, for how long? 

You need to realize that at the end of the day you will be responsible for own life, for your own mistakes. You can't always blame other people for whatever they put you through. But you are one who needs to take a decision whether or not you're willing to move on. So make up your mind and get going with it, only you can fix your life. The only thing your loved ones can do is help but you're the only one who can help yourself in reality. You need to build yourself that strong that you can take up against the world and not let regret or guilt bring you down. 

Yes there is a totally different side to it, which is the evil side. Once you're on your own it doesn't mean that you wake up the devil in you and go for vengeance. That is wrong on so many levels, you don't need to ruin other people's lives just because you suffered. That wouldn't even mean that you've let go of your past, it would only mean that you're still holding on to it. That is not an acceptable way to work your energy out of all the mess, it would only make things worse. Vengeance and hatred are the worst emotions you could ever come across. They'll do you no good but make you feel miserable and you'd want to eat your own flesh out. You'll come across depression, loneliness, drugs that will only lead you to a slow torturous death. And God forbid, if you've crossed all levels and lost all your patience then suicide. That's the worst part of not letting go of your past.

Burying the hatchet is what will make you feel better. Change yourself, your environment. Put all that energy into doing something productive. Try to keep yourself busy doing the stuff which you always wanted to do but never did due to the reasons that held you back. Make yourself the bigger person and let it all go. Trust me when I say this, I know it's hard, it's very very hard but it's all worth it. Free yourself from all that hardship, it will only do good to you. You'll feel free and lively, it'll almost feel like someone lifted a huge weight off your chest. 

When nothing else works out, all your efforts go unseen, nobody gives a bull, you're not treated the way you're supposed to, all those sacrifices and compromises go down the drain, all you're only left with is pain and suffering? Then sweetie, it's time to let go. If it was all worth it you would've known. Don't waste your time, energy and life on people who don't want you in their life. Make your life better, make yourself a better person. If change is what you need to overcome all this then go ahead with it. But always remember, learning from your mistakes is what makes you stronger for future. Don't let go of the experience from the past, let go of the past.
I'm not a Grey's Anatomy fan but I'm sure this might help.

"Change. We don't like it. We fear it, but we can't stop it from coming. We either adapt to change or we get left behind. It hurts to grow, anybody who tells you it doesn't is lying, but here's the truth sometimes the more things change the more they stay the same. And sometimes, oh, sometimes change is good. Sometimes change is everything."
-Meredith Grey

"Who gets to determine when the old ends and the new begins? It’s not on the calendar, it’s not a birthday, it’s not a new year. It’s an event, big or small, something that changes us. Ideally, that gives us hope, a new way of living and looking at the world, a way of letting go of old habits, old memories. What's important is that we never stop believing we can have a new beginning, but it's also important to remember that, amid all the crap, there are a few things worth holding on to."
-Meredith Grey

Thursday 22 August 2013

SUPPRESSED.



SUPPRESSED


Well everybody needs a kick start in life at some point or the other, but what if you're never given that chance? If you get screwed over before you even say anything? Even when you're given the chance to speak up you can not because of the pressure? Lets face it, you're miserable and suffering from depression.

I guess at some point everyone feels lowered to some extent, by family, friends, partners, peer pressure etc. Family pulls you down, pressurizes you into decisions that are supposed to be in your hands. For instance from school to marriage, everything depends on what parents think is best for you even if you know it isn't or is against your will. There are moments when you have to cope up with everything and go accordingly even-though your point of view is different. 

Lets start with school, shall we? When you want to be in a different school but your forced to study in the one parents like, when you want to join the 'cool' group but they think it's bad influence, when you want to go out with friends but they say that it's bad company and is spoiling your habits, when you party just one day but they say it affected your grades, when you want to be up to date with fashion but they think it's vulgarity or a waste of money and time and worst one is when you say "you'll get dropped" actually means they'll come see you off and embarrass you in-front of your friends. These are the worst high-school nightmares which unfortunately one has to live with at some point or the other without uttering a single word against their will.

Then comes the time when you're actually in school busy trying to impress everyone, going against your own will to stay 'cool' and that too while obeying the rules of your parents and taking their orders. When you have to go wrong to prove yourself right in-front of your friends under peer pressure. Then when it comes to taking sides between your real friends and fake wannabe friends. When impressing them is not the only job here but dissing your real friends is the main target. Not being able to call right 'right' and wrong 'wrong' but vice versa. 

Moving on to the love life *the fairy-tale* you lived does nothing but pretty much throws you in the pile there. The sacrifices, the compromises you made to make it work sooner or later turned out to be bad decisions at some point. There's rarely a love affair that lasts from school till marriage, lets call it the *fairy-tale that lived* well, not everyone has it. When you're bound by restrictions and obligated to do things you never wanted to do, it pulls you down and well basically crushes your faith in *trust* *love* *hope* whatever. And when it goes down the drain, all you have is regret. Regret that will stay with you for quite a while there, which is when you'll realize that you lost the time which should've been the time of your life. But no, what are you left with? Regret. All this time when you thought that you partner would sweep you off your feet and take you to this wonderland was just a load of bull, all that happened was that you did get swept off your feet but ended up feeling down in the dumps.

After all that drama when you step in the world and reach your friends who help you out and are there for you seem to be your BFF's. It's all rainbows and butterflies, a world you never saw and that freedom you thought you'd never get is actually there and for a while there you actually think that it's worth it. You're living your life but then again not for long sweetie. Friends turn into foes and there you have it, politics. Every body sweet talks at front but actually sabotages your life behind your back and before you even know it you're out, hated and left alone. You sit there in tragedy and think you brought all this upon yourself. You feel catastrophic and blame yourself for every single bad thing that ever happened to you. 

You start to think you're world is upside down, it's nothing the way you planned it, your school, friends, family and even your career. This is not how you wanted to live your life, you wanted it to be your way. You wanted to be independent and prove yourself to the world but you're way too old now and you've lost so much time. You could've been productive and done something with your life, stood on your feet. But you feel that you're being pushed down so hard that you almost decide to give up on everything, your dreams, your goals, literally everything. 

But you know what? Okay this may sound cliche but seriously you still have the time to fix it! Nothing gets served in a dish right in-front of you, you've got to earn it. Get off your whiny behind and start doing something about it. You can change the way people feel about you, let them see the brighter side, the better you. Show them that all this is not going to let you down. I know it's a lot of pep talk but seriously you can turn this around. I mean come one, feelings change all the time, that's why they're called feelings! So communicate and make a change, try to convince everyone and let them see the new you. You are not a loser, work up the anger and those feelings you've secluded for years and do something productive with it. Follow your dream, be what you want to be. It will take time but all you've got to do is take the initiative. Yeah it's going to take time, after all it isn't magic. You'll have a lot of convincing and explanations to do, but if it's worth it why not give it a shot? At-least you won't feel sorry for yourself later that you didn't try. Don't let people feel pity for you, that's just wrong on so many levels. Earn yourself some respect and get going with it! Let it all out and bury the hatchet by all means because grudges won't get you anywhere. Start over, turn over a new leaf. A clean slate is what you need then get on with it. Be an optimist rather than being a pessimist. Suppressed feelings will only let you down.


"Everything is okay in the end, if it's not okay, then it's not the end"
-Paulo Coelho